ORLANDO, Fla. – A crosswalk positioned outside the former Pulse nightclub has become the focal point of a prolonged, statewide debate. This week, tensions escalated further when authorities arrested two individuals for using chalk to restore the crosswalk’s colors.

The crosswalk, situated on Orange Avenue at the tragic site of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, was originally installed in 2017. It served as a tribute to the 49 lives lost and stood as a symbol of inclusion and LGBTQ pride. However, it was removed in August following a directive issued by the Trump administration.

For many, this artwork was more than just a crosswalk; it was an integral part of a memorial that honored the 49 victims of the horrific mass shooting at the LGBTQ nightclub.

James Houchins, one of the protesters who was arrested, expressed his determination to continue the fight.

“I thought — how ridiculous,” Houchins remarked, reflecting on his arrest on November 23.

He and fellow activist Austin Trahan were taken into custody after chalking the word ‘RESIST’ and adding colors back to the crosswalk.

“We were told that morning around 8 o’clock that FDOT came through, washed everything, and removed everything. After that, we came back to re-chalk, recolor, and put flags back out.”

Houchins said the rainbow crosswalk had become a significant part of the community’s remembrance efforts.

“Forty-nine victims — this was part of the memorial until the state came in and ripped it up like it was nothing. So continuing this fight until those colors are returned — it hits deep.”

Initially, both men faced a felony criminal mischief charge. A judge later found no probable cause for the felony but did find probable cause for a lesser misdemeanor charge to move forward.

FDOT and the Florida Highway Patrol have argued that a crosswalk is a “traffic control device,” and altering it — even with chalk — violates state regulations. Houchins and other advocates dispute that interpretation.

When asked whether he plans to continue chalking the crosswalk, Houchins didn’t hesitate. “Yes — the chalking won’t stop.”

To many passersby, Houchins said, it may seem like just a crosswalk. But for him and others in Orlando’s LGBTQ community, it represents something larger.

“Continuing to show up for me is a fight back that you’re not going to erase me, and you won’t erase my community,” he said. “We are not going to fight or go away silently. Stonewall started with a brick, and in Florida, it starts with chalk.”

News 6 has reached out to FDOT and FHP for comment regarding the arrests and is awaiting a response.

Houchins says the movement now looks toward Day 100 on Saturday — another milestone in a protest he insists will continue.